Movie review: "Mother of George" a visual treat

One of the most unexpected finds of the week is "Mother of George," an immigrant melodramatic tale told with an undeniable visual lushness.

One of the most unexpected finds of the week is “Mother of George,” an immigrant melodramatic tale told with an undeniable visual lushness.

Adenike (Danai Gurira) and Ayodele (Isaach De Bankolé) are a recently married Nigerian couple in Brooklyn. They find themselves unable to conceive a child, a problem heightened by cultural and family pressures.

In desperation, Adenike’s mother-in-law suggests a solution that may threaten her marriage.

Director Andrew Dosunmu holds a steady and patient hand over proceedings that could quickly turn soap opera. His actors do much of the work in performances that are understated at times, explosive at others.

But the real joy here is the brilliant cinematography. Cinematographer Bradford Young focuses on the dark end of the spectrum, making the sort of film best seen projected in a theater. It’s simply gorgeous.